Slovakia's governing coalition works toward agreement on electoral law amendment

Deputy Speaker Tibor Gašpar of the Smer‑SD party said the governing coalition expects to reach a deal on a draft amendment to Slovakia’s electoral law. The proposal, introduced by the coalition partner Hlas‑SD, would expand the provisions for establishing polling stations abroad and raise the quorum required for candidates to bypass preferential votes from three to eight percent.

While Hlas‑SD and the SNS have signaled support for the changes, the opposition‑aligned Party of the Countryside opposes the quorum increase, calling it a serious breach of democratic competition. Gašpar acknowledged ongoing disputes within the coalition but expressed confidence that a final wording will be agreed. He also noted related negotiations on the Arts Support Fund and hinted at possible counter‑measures regarding other parliamentary appointments.